Over the last few years, labour has become an increasing challenge for growers in Australia. Solutions like greenhouses and shadehouses can positively influence the labour landscape in agriculture. In this article, we’ll explore why and how.
1. Focus on High-value Tasks
Protected cropping environments, such as greenhouses and shadehouses, create controlled conditions that optimise plant growth. These structures significantly reduce the labour-intensive tasks typically associated with traditional farming by regulating and automating temperature, humidity, light, and pest control. This allows your staff to focus on higher-value tasks like planting, harvesting, and quality control rather than constant pest management and weather-related crop protection.
2. Give more full-time opportunities
Agriculture is seasonable work, and as of May 2024, 68.7% of people working in agriculture are employed full-time. One of the benefits of protected cropping is the ability to extend growing seasons. Crops can be grown year-round in a controlled environment, reducing the company’s downtime. This continuous production means a more stable demand for labour throughout the year, providing consistent employment opportunities and reducing the seasonal labour fluctuations that often lead to shortages.
3. Incorporate more automation
Modern greenhouses and shadehouses allow you to incorporate advanced technologies such as automated irrigation systems, climate control, and even robotic harvesters. These innovations reduce the need for manual labour and allow for more precise farming practices. With automation handling repetitive and physically demanding tasks, the need for a large workforce diminishes, and the existing labour force can be redirected towards more skilled and supervisory roles, improving overall job satisfaction and efficiency.
4. Create better working conditions
Traditional farming can be physically demanding and is often conducted in harsh outdoor conditions. Protected cropping solutions create more comfortable working environments, shielding workers from extreme weather, excessive heat, and harmful UV rays. Better working conditions lead to higher job satisfaction, reducing turnover rates and making agricultural jobs more appealing to potential workers.
5. Increased Yield and Profitability
Protected cropping systems often result in higher yields and better-quality produce by managing and optimising growing conditions. This increase in productivity can enhance profitability for farmers, enabling them to offer more competitive wages and benefits to their workers. Higher compensation and better working conditions can attract more workers to the agricultural sector, alleviating labour shortages.
A greenhouse won’t take away the importance of skilled, dedicated employees. And it may take some time to implement new processes for your employees. But with protected cropping solutions, you create an environment where you need fewer hands to do the same work. While also creating better work conditions for your employees. This will result in better consistency, productivity, and profitability.
Are you interested in a protected cropping solution for your day-to-day challenges? Contact us for personalised advice and a detailed quote.
